(Yicai Global) Nov. 6 -- Southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing will join hands with international firms, including French, German, and Mexican ones, on over 20 projects.

Chongqing has signed 22 agreements in sectors such as food, vehicle, medicine, energy, logistics, tourism, and research and development centers, the local newspaper Chongqing Daily reported yesterday. Some of the partners come from Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and Indonesia.

The CIIE means new development opportunities for the vast inland areas of western China, Liu Guiping, deputy mayor of Chongqing, said at a promotional meeting during the ongoing trade fair in Shanghai.

Chongqing has implemented a 72-hour transit visa exemption for 53 countries and the city does business with 224 countries and regions around the world, Liu added.

Some of the deals include developing cultural towns, new headquarters, international aviation routes, and more beef imports. Stuttgart-based electronics giant Robert Bosch will build an exhibition center and training locale at the Xiyong Microelectronics Industrial Park. 

Local media group CQNews signed strategic cooperation agreement with flag carrier Garuda Indonesia to purchase CNY650 million (USD92.9 million) of fixed and multi-point route resources.

Chongqing Yuou Cross-Border E-Commerce, a maternal products shopping platform, will buy infant formula from French food group Danone.

Editor: Emmi Laine